How Does Southwest Greens Use Infill and Why Does it Matter?

Posted by Cyber Mark on April 19, 2020

How Does Southwest Greens Use Infill and Why Does it Matter?

Any first-time buyer of a synthetic lawn knows that the terminology can be confusing. At Southwest Putting Greens we receive a bevy of questions regarding these terms. Sub-base, seaming and backing all garner a certain confused look. However, the component we get asked about most is infill.  What is this component and why is it so important in the look, and more importantly, feel of your lawn? We aim to answer that question today!

What Is Infill?

At its core, infill is the material used to fill in the spaces between the blades of grass in a synthetic lawn. It provides many benefits to an artificial lawn and has left a considerable mark on the synthetic turf industry. Infill didn’t appear in the production of artificial lawns until the mid-1990s. However, once introduced, infill completely overhauled the synthetic lawn system, providing more cushion, a natural grass feel, and improved drainage.

Which Infill Should I Choose for My Synthetic Grass?

Originally consisting of rubber granules, over the years new materials have emerged in the infill landscape. Read on to see which materials are the best match for your synthetic lawn needs.

  • Round Silica Granules:

The most popular synthetic lawn infill is rounded silica granules. These granules feature an anti-microbial exterior that prevents bacteria from running rampant on your lawn. This infill is great in parks, recreation areas, and indoor putting greens. It can withstand heavy use and provide a nice cushion when walking. It also possesses the anti-microbial protection necessary to preserve a high traffic lawn.

  • Subangular Silica or Manufactured Sand:

Another popular infill option is subangular silica or manufactured sand. This substance is often used on greens that experience less traffic, such as patio turf.

  • Crumbled Rubber:

Lawns that experience the heaviest traffic fare best with crumbled rubber. This infill type is most often used in football, soccer and lacrosse fields due to the consistent and unforgiving traffic they experience. Keep in mind, crumbled rubber is a more expensive alternative to the rounded and subangular silica.

  • Envirofill:

The most advanced, and expensive infill option available today is Envirofill. This revolutionary infill is coated sand that comes in an assortment of colors that allows for full customization of your lawn on a granular level. It’s also infused with anti-microbial technology that prevents the growth of bacteria that can cause odors, stains, and premature wear. It’s also extremely durable, carrying with it a 16-year warranty.

Why Does the Type of Infill I Use Matter?

Now we get to the burning question, why does infill matter? Well, it matters if you want to have a versatile lawn that is comfortable, durable and aesthetically pleasing. Infill provides a cushion to your lawn, acting as a buffer between you and the hard sub-base layer that sits beneath the carpet. This cushion not only provides comfort for those on the lawn, but it also provides a feel that is nearly identical to natural grass. Secondly, infill increases the durability of your synthetic lawn by helping to absorb and displace impact that could otherwise lessen the life of your lawn. Lastly, infill sits between the individual blades of grass, assisting them in remaining upright, creating an effect that makes your lawn appear lush and full.

Golf ball laying on green artificial turf.Whether it’s your backyard or an artificial turf area for golf, infill is an important component to your synthetic landscape. Our experts at New York Putting Green can help you pick the right turf and infill for your next project!